A 5-Day Itinerary of Central Thailand
Culture, Food, History, and Beaches
Are you trying to plan a fantastic trip around Thailand? If you're not sure where to start, where to go, how much it will cost, or how much time you need, then we've got the answers. This route will let you experience the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food of the region. This itinerary can be used as a guide and an outline for your next trip, because here you'll find all of the information you need to put together an amazing five-day trip.
Along the way, you'll discover delicious food, active nightlife, historical sights, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Bangkok (2 days)
- Kanchanaburi (1 day)
- Pattaya (2 days)
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big City Activities
- Delicious Food
- Historic Sites
- Beaches
- Museums
- Nightlife
- Beautiful Locations
Thailand is known for its large cities full of sights, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and more. By taking some time to explore some of the larger cities, you'll not only have a fun trip, but you'll get a chance to experience the unique culture and vibrant city attractions. Make sure you specifically visit Bangkok if you love urban vibes.
It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and Thailand holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. The food in Bangkok and Pattaya is especially delicious.
So much history is to be found in Thailand. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
One of the main reasons to visit the area is to see the gorgeous beaches and relax in the water. The beaches in the vicinity of Pattaya are unmissable gems.
Don't miss out on the wealth of great museums scattered along this itinerary. Take a break to immerse yourself in their large collections. When it comes to Kanchanaburi and Bangkok, the museums offer great experiences.
Brace yourself for a vibrant nightlife experience in Thailand, complete with numerous hotspots that are totally worth checking out. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Pattaya and Bangkok.
The mesmerizing landscapes of Thailand are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos. You don't want to miss Bangkok for the beautiful scenery.
Don't want to plan everything yourself? Maybe you should consider an organized tour that takes away all of the stress of planning. Check out our articles for guided tour packages here: The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand.
Pattaya, Thailand
When is the best time to visit?
If you're looking to escape the cold weather for a warmer destination, then Thailand is for you. It's a popular getaway with travelers not just because of the great weather, but also for the many activities and attractions. It can get quite popular in the winter, so plan ahead.
Who is this itinerary for?
Thailand isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. Especially visit Bangkok for the enchanting atmosphere.
The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later. In particular, make a point to visit Bangkok and Pattaya.
Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket. Spending more time in Bangkok can especially help your budget.
The Grande Palace of Bangkok, Thailand
Transportation
Traveling between these destinations in Thailand should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 4 hours apart on average.
We selected Bangkok as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Bangkok, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Traveling by train through Thailand is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
As a general rule, buses present a highly effective way to navigate the area. Known for their affordability, efficiency, and comfort, it's an easy way to get around on a tight budget. Check out the prices and compare for yourself.
If you're following this itinerary, a car is a good way to do it. Don't stress if you didn't bring yours; renting a car is easy. Having your own car in Thailand means you're the boss of your schedule, and you can stop wherever and whenever you please.
Is five days enough time in Thailand?
To see all of the highlights, five days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in Thailand. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around five days to truly take it all in.
The Marble Palace, Bangkok
How much does a five-day trip to Thailand cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this five-day trip through Thailand is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | $105 | 2 | $210 |
| Kanchanaburi | $58 | 1 | $58 |
| Pattaya | $92 | 2 | $184 |
| Total per person | $452 | ||
| for 2 People | $905 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this five-day itinerary of Thailand costs $452 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Thailand based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | $25 | 2 | $50 |
| Kanchanaburi | $29 | 1 | $29 |
| Pattaya | $27 | 2 | $54 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $133 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're on the lookout for budget-friendly options during your journey, hostels are a terrific option catering to younger or solo travelers. The prices listed below detail the average expenditure for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. While privacy may take a backseat in a hostel dorm, the vibrant atmosphere often transforms these shared spaces into social hubs, creating wonderful chances to meet up with fellow travelers. It's important to note that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, with additional benefits like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data from HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | $15 | 2 days | $29 |
| Kanchanaburi | $11 | 1 day | $11 |
| Pattaya | $20 | 2 days | $39 |
| Total expected hostel cost* | $80 | ||
Thailand Itinerary
1. Bangkok
2 Days
Bangkok is the colorful capital city of Thailand. It is filled with temples and religious sights as well as shopping centers and markets. There is a network of canals and the Chao Phraya River is filled with boats. The city has many high end hotels as well as backpacker meccas and everything in between.
With big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Bangkok offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
You shouldn't miss the world-famous museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok. Make at least some time in your schedule to see the main sights, and plan for more if you want to see everything.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bangkok is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.
What to See in Bangkok
How to Spend 2 Days in Bangkok
Day 1:
When visiting Bangkok, you can't miss the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
The delicious food of Bangkok is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this capital city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.
Public transit in Bangkok is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the capital city quite easily. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.
Day 2:
Bangkok is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
The Royal Barges Museum is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its magnificent collection of ornate royal barges, entry is ฿100.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for MOCA. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its diverse collection of contemporary Thai art. It's ฿280 ($8) with free admission for students.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for The Bangkok National Museum, which is ฿200. It's great for any traveler and is known for its extensive collection of artifacts and artworks.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for The Jim Thompson House. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its traditional Thai teakwood houses and extensive art collection. It's ฿200 ($5), or ฿100 for children ages 10-21, and free entry for children under 10 with an adult.
Make sure to set aside around 4 hours for The Grand Palace, which is ฿500. It's great for couples and is known for its stunning architecture and royal history.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for Wat Pho. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its massive reclining Buddha statue and traditional Thai massage school. It's ฿300 ($8) with free entry for children. Massages are also available for a fee, depending on the duration.
Wat Arun is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its striking spires adorned with colorful porcelain tiles, entry is ฿50.
It's worth around 2 hours for Wat Traimit. Entry is ฿40 ($1.25), and appropriate dress is required. It's known for its massive solid gold Buddha statue and cultural significance.
This capital city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.
Day Trips from Bangkok
Several terrific day trip options are available from Bangkok to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- Amazing Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok ($173)
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Historical Day Trip from Bangkok ($192)
- Chachoengsao Day Trip Including Bang Pakong River Cruise from Bangkok ($132)
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Bangkok. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Bangkok, see The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bangkok, The Best Floating Market Tours in Bangkok, The Best Wat and Temple Tours in Bangkok, and The Best Boat and Cruise Tours in Bangkok.
Bangkok Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Bangkok is $105 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Bangkok here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $2 | $7 | $21 |
| Food2 | $14 | $36 | $96 |
| Entertainment1 | $7 | $18 | $52 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $6 | $15 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Bangkok is $25 based on the average from 1212 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Bangkok here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Bangkok, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $15. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Bangkok here.
Transportation
Up next is Kanchanaburi. It's possible to do this as a day trip from Bangkok if you book a tour or plan for an early train ride. Of course, you can spend the night if you want more time in the area.
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
Trains are a great way to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
2. Kanchanaburi
1 Day
Kanchanaburi is a town that is located on the River Kwai. It is the location of the notorious Death Railway Bridge, which was made famous by the movie "Bridge on the River Kwai". The line crosses the river, and visitors may walk or take a train across. There are also museums and cemeteries that allow visitors to learn and reflect on the dark past.
What to See in Kanchanaburi
How to Spend 1 Day in Kanchanaburi
You'll want to maximize your time in Kanchanaburi by spending as much time as you can at the Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai"), so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks, and you don't want to miss it.
The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).
There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.
While food isn't the first thing that comes to mind here, you'll find markets with great street food as well as interesting riverside and floating restaurants. A local specialty that you should try is the gaeng paa pla khang (jungle curry). There are also western style restaurants if you need a break from the curry. Many visitors head to Mae Nam Khwae Road for most of their meals.
The backpacker scene keeps the nightlife active. You'll find locals and tourists mingling along Maenam Kwai Road. You'll also find several clubs along Song Kwae Road.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Kanchanaburi. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Kanchanaburi, see The Best Kwai Bridge Tours in Kanchanaburi, The Best Waterfall Tours in Kanchanaburi, The Best Death Railway Train Tours in Kanchanaburi, and The Best Cycling Tours in Kanchanaburi.
Kanchanaburi Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Kanchanaburi is $58 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Kanchanaburi here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $6 | $14 | $36 |
| Food2 | $9 | $24 | $64 |
| Entertainment1 | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Alcohol2 | $4 | $9 | $22 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Kanchanaburi is $29 based on the average from 79 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Kanchanaburi here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Kanchanaburi, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $11. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Kanchanaburi here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Kanchanaburi to Pattaya.
Trains are a great way to get from Kanchanaburi to Pattaya, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Kanchanaburi to Pattaya are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
3. Pattaya
2 Days
Pattaya has long been one of the most popular resort cities in Thailand. It has a party hard reputation that is well earned, but in recent years there has been an effort to promote family-friendly activities. These days you'll find plenty of amusement parks around town, but you'll still find the wild side as well, particularly around the Walking Street.
With museums, beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, and nightlife, Pattaya offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families because of everything available.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
What to See in Pattaya
How to Spend 2 Days in Pattaya
Day 1:
Don't miss the Sanctuary of Truth during your trip to Pattaya, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This resort city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.
Public transit in Pattaya is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the resort city quite easily. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Pattaya, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for Pattaya Beach. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its soft golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's free.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this resort city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.
Day Trips from Pattaya
Several terrific day trip options are available from Pattaya to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- Rayong Adventure Full day Trip from Pattaya Tour ($179)
- Pattaya: 3 Islands one day trip on Catamaran with Lunch ($118)
- Coral Island Half-day Trip from Pattaya with Lunch ($8)
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Pattaya. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Pattaya, see The Best Airport Transfers to Pattaya, The Best Show Tickets in Pattaya, The Best ATV Tours in Pattaya, and The Best Temple Tours in Pattaya.
Pattaya Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Pattaya is $92 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Pattaya here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $6 | $13 | $25 |
| Food2 | $18 | $42 | $91 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $23 | $54 |
| Alcohol2 | $4 | $9 | $18 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Pattaya is $27 based on the average from 622 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Pattaya here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Pattaya, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $20. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Pattaya here.
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Bangkok.
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Pattaya to Bangkok.
Buses from Pattaya to Bangkok are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your five-day trip in Thailand, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.